Los Angeles hiker lost overnight in national forest rescued near Altadena

A rescue helicopter located a hiker Monday who was lost for nearly seven hours overnight in the Angeles National Forest near Altadena.

The 23-year-old Los Angeles man called 911 about 9 p.m. Sunday after losing the trail while hiking to Echo Mountain, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The man set out at 3 p.m. and had no flashlight with him, according to a statement from Deputy Dan Paige.

High winds diverted helicopters early in search, leaving about 24 people from nearby search and rescue teams to continue on foot.

Crews came within shouting range of the man at about 4 a.m., but could not make their way to him until 6:30 a.m. when he was air lifted by a rescue helicopter. The sheriff’s department used the man’s cell phone to approximate his location.

The man suffered minor scratches and told his rescuers he was not hurt, only cold and tired.